GME Visa Sponsorship and International Medical Graduate Information

GME Eligibility Requirements for Non-US Citizens

To participate in training in any UC Davis Health residency and fellowship program (ACGME or Non-ACGME) a physician must acquire or currently hold one of the following:

• A Clinical J-1 Visa, sponsored by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) 
  Canadian Citizens must use the J-1 program 
• An Employment Authorization Document (EAD)

UC Davis Health does not sponsor H-1B visas for residents and fellows.

Incoming J-1 visa trainees are required to obtain the visa before starting training. 

Failure to submit the requested documentation in a timely manner will result in a delayed start date.

Passing scores on USMLE Steps 1 and 2 are required. 

Duration of Stay/Visa Sponsorship Limits

ECFMG sponsorship for participation in a GME training program is limited to the time typically required to complete in that specialty/subspecialty, as determined by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). For non-standard fellowship training, the visa duration is the exact duration of the GMEC-approved program. 

The duration of sponsorship is further limited to a maximum of seven years. 

J-1 Visa sponsorship of Non-Standard Fellowship Training at UC Davis Health is currently available for the programs listed here:  UC Davis J-1 Approved NST Programs (PDF) - subject to change without notice.

International Medical Graduates

International Medical Graduates (IMG) must have a current, valid ECFMG certificate to be eligible for postgraduate training.

California Licensing Information for International Medical Graduates

International Medical Schools: The California Medical Board will recognize an international medical school as meeting the educational requirements for a Postgraduate Training License/Licensure if the school is listed on the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) and the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER) World Directory of Medical Schools.

For more information please email Lori Simperman | lsimperman@ucdavis.edu